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Antique Safes/Lost safe combination/safe identification

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Expert: - 12/18/2009


Question
Hi-  I've come to own an old safe, and am interested in opening it.  I wonder if you might be able to help me identify it to aid in my effort to find the combination.  It is 36" high x 23" wide x 21" deep and of cast iron.   It is on four 5" casters and has a dial with 100 index numbers.  The handle is in a "T" shape and has a 5 digit serial number on it.  There is apparently no manufacturer name on it or any other identifying letters or numbers, but it has been painted black.  My rough estimate is that it is 50 years old.  I have taken up the hobby of attempting to crack the code, and would like to verify some assumptions I'm making about the safe, so identifying the manufacturer and model would be very helpful.  Any guidance is appreciated.
I can provide pictures if that is necessary.


Answer
Richard,

Feel free to ask your questions, while it is not the purpose of this site to train "safecrackers", I will answer questions that do not violate what I might consider a security risk.  Irregardless of your motives, I have no way of verifying who you are or your intentions, so I will not give out drill points or training that may jepordize someone elses safe or security (remember others read these posts also).  Other than that ask away its a great hobby and I'm sure that you will get more involved with antique safes as you progress.

In order to identify, evaluate or appraise your safe, I’m going to need photos.  They should include full exterior and interior.  Detail photos should include pictures of the dial, handles, hinges, artwork, locks, bolt work, castors, cabinetry and any special details or damage.  
Note:  You may have to remove the back panel on the door to gain access to the lock and bolt work - I will need these pictures.  If you have a particular detail that you have a question about, I will need a photo of it also.

Please use as high a resolution as possible.  Pictures which are “thumbnails” or low resolution, out of focus, or from a distance, don’t help when we try to evaluate the container.
Note:  with higher resolution, you may only be able to send 2-4 pictures per email, depending on the size of the file.  Our server only will allow a max of 6 mb per email.

Please send all of the requested photos to;   Andy@securitysafeusa.com

Our informal valuation is at no charge, however if you need a formal evaluation or appraisal for insurance, estate sales, or to establish it as an antique, there is an administrative fee for this service.

Andy

Antique Safes

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Terry V Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 40 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland Safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

Experience

40 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute. Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing. Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf

Organizations
Safecrackers International and the National Antique Safe Association

Education/Credentials
Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985 Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985 Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.

Awards and Honors
2009, 2010 & 2011 Listed in AllExperts top 50 Experts. All Experts Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes. Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Navy - 1971-1981 US Army Reserve 1984-2006 US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present

Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses. Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures. Service area is Northern California - Fresno to Oregon, including western Nevada

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